Bill Willis is a Boston filmmaker whose work grew out of decades of experience in the city and a desire to understand the stories behind youth violence. In 2007, he produced and directed Shot in the Hood, a documentary exploring the experiences of young people in Boston. He later produced The Last Shot, earning the 2011 Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award from the Boston International Film Festival. Today, his filmmaking continues to center on community, mentorship, and the power of storytelling.
2007
DOCUMENTARY · PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
SHOT IN THE HOOD
A documentary examining youth violence through the lives, choices, and circumstances shaping young people in Boston. Bill Willis brings a close community perspective to the conditions surrounding violence and the voices too often left outside the conversation.
CONTEXT
Boston youth, violence, and community conditions
EXHIBITION
Screened at the Roxbury Film Festival
POSTER
2011
FEATURE · WRITER / PRODUCER
THE LAST SHOT
A feature about a family navigating basketball talent, opportunity, violence, drugs, and neighborhood pressure, where the choices surrounding one young player can shape far more than the game.
DIRECTOR
Noah Christofer
RECOGNITION
Indie Spirit Special Recognition for Willis, Boston International Film Festival
NEXT
ICFC · YOUTH CREATED WORK
THE STORIES AHEAD
ICFC carries the work forward by helping young people develop, produce, finish, and present films grounded in their own experience and communities.
THE ARCHIVE WILL HOLD
Films, trailers, posters, credits, production notes, and screenings
THE PURPOSE
Work young filmmakers can share, discuss, and build upon
